Titing Manalili, orchestrating the Letran Squires with finesse and determination, will leave the NCAA Juniors ranks as a two-time champion.
Averaging an impressive 22 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and 3.7 steals across three gripping games, Manalili’s performance didn’t just secure a championship for the Squires but also earned him the coveted Finals MVP Award.
Amidst the glory, the spotlight naturally turns towards the future, and for Manalili, that future might just be adorned with the Letran Knights’ colors.
“Oo syempre, gusto ko umakyat sa Letran Knights,” he shared, hinting at his desire to continue his basketball journey at Letran.
Yet, amidst dreams of hardwood conquests, Manalili remains grounded in the present, focused on completing his education at Letran High School.
With a dash of humor, he jests about the uncertainties of graduation, remarking, “Siguro, mag-aaral muna ako kasi parang ‘di pa sure kung ga-graduate ako ngayon.
“Masaya ako na nag-champion kami, mahalaga pala ang ‘di pag-pasok.”
In a moment of camaraderie, Manalili extends his gratitude to his mentor, CAllen Ricardo, playfully entertaining the idea of reuniting under Ricardo’s guidance once he steps into the collegiate realm.
“Si Coach Allen pa rin, sana kukunin ako. Gusto ko habang nagba-basketball ako, siya ‘yung coach ko, kasi siya lang ‘yung nakakaintindi sa akin. Siguro kung nasa ibang school ako hindi ganito ‘yung maipapakita ko,” he acknowledges.
For now, Manalili will focus on the task at hand before making his decision.
